NCJ Number
210101
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 153-170
Date Published
April 2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the use of the Trans-theoretical Model of Behavior Change (TMBC) in the treatment of sexual offenders.
Abstract
The TMBC consists of three constructs: Stages of Change, Processes of Change, and Decisional Balance. The Stages of Change construct has five sequential stages: Precontemplation (no consideration of change in the foreseeable future); Contemplation (awareness of a problem and consideration of behavioral change); Preparation (intention to take action to change behavior); Action (action taken to overcome problems); and Maintenance (action to maintain gains related to changed behavior). Processes of Change consists of five experiential and five behavioral processes of change; and the Decisional Balance construct pertains to the balance between the advantages of continuing the problem behavior compared to its disadvantages. One section of the article summarizes a number of studies that have been central to the authors' consideration of the use of the constructs of the TMBC in the treatment of sexual offenders. This is followed by a section that discusses the use of the TMBC in the treatment of sexual offenders. The authors argue that although more empirical research with sexual offenders is required, the TMBC has some utility as an overarching framework for conceptualizing behavioral change and for designing treatment interventions with sexual offenders. 1 table and 39 references